FRS Fencing Announces Three-Year Partnership with Punchestown Festival 2026
Media Release, Tuesday 14th April: FRS Fencing, the leading Irish provider of fencing solutions to the agricultural, equestrian and commercial sectors, is proud to announce a three-year partnership with the prestigious Punchestown Festival. The collaboration will see FRS Fencing take centre stage as the naming partner for the FRS Fencing Handicap Hurdle held on the Friday of the five day festival each year from 2026 through 2028.
FRS Fencing, part of FRS Co-Op, is the largest specialist fencing business in the country operating from 15 locations nationwide. They are exclusive and sole providers of the Sentree copper-oil and Dura2 copper-water timber fence posts in Ireland, which come with 20 year warranties and are direct replacements for creosote treated products. As leaders in fencing for almost 40 years, the FRS Fencing Handicap Hurdle sponsorship underlines the company’s commitment to Irish sport, equine communities and rural enterprises.
Commenting on the partnership, Colin Donnery – FRS Co-Op CEO said: “We are delighted to strengthen our relationship with Punchestown through this exciting three-year deal. The Friday at Punchestown is a massive occasion and partnering with such a celebrated event allows us to connect directly with the equine and rural communities that are at the heart of our business. Initiatives like this showcase our work while staying true to our cooperative roots.”
Janet Creighton, sponsorship at Punchestown, added: “FRS Fencing’s involvement highlights the value of long-term partnerships that connect national brands with our racing and equestrian community. We are thrilled to welcome them as the named partner of the FRS Fencing Handicap Hurdle and look forward to seeing their commitment showcased across the Festival over the next three years.”
Kevin Blake, Horse Breeder, also commented, “It’s fantastic to see FRS Fencing come on board as a sponsor of the Punchestown Racing Festival. Strong sponsorship is vital to the ongoing success of Irish racing, and it’s especially encouraging when that support comes from a thriving cooperative. Partnerships like this highlight the strength of the industry and the communities behind it.”
The FRS Fencing Handicap Hurdle takes place on day four of the 2026 Punchestown Festival which runs from Tuesday 28th April to Saturday 2nd May.
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More About FRS
FRS Fencing is Ireland’s leading farm and commercial fencing providers and is a proud part of FRS Co-Op. Headquartered in Roscrea, County Tipperary, FRS Co-Op was founded in 1980 and has 2,000 staff nationwide. The FRS Co-Op provides a broad spectrum of services spanning fencing, agriculture, training, recruitment, employment support and contract services. Its diverse businesses include FRS Recruitment, FRS Fencing, FRS Farm Services, FRS Training, Turas Nua and WrkWrk.
Punchestown Celebrates 175 Years and Racecourse of The Year Award with a Free New Year’s Eve Race Meeting
Kindly Supported by Tote
Media Release, 17 December 2025 — Punchestown Racecourse will celebrate a remarkable 175 years of racing heritage with a very special New Year’s Eve race meeting, offering free admission for all, generously supported by Tote, on Wednesday, 31 December. The anniversary is all the more poignant as the track recently landed the 2025 Racecourse of The Year Award.
The Kildare Races at Punchestown was first recorded in 1824, the event moved to various venues across the county before officially establishing Punchestown as their permanent home in 1850. From those early beginnings has grown into what is now internationally recognised as the Punchestown Festival — a five-day celebration of top-class horse racing, culture and community spirit.
To honour this rich legacy, Punchestown is inviting everyone to come together on New Year’s Eve to celebrate 175 years of memorable sporting, historic and community moments. From the construction of the first ever grandstand, the role played by the La Touche Family, the endurance through civil and world wars right up to the famous Match Race of 1986, the legacy of so many racing dynasties and the dominance of Irish racing talent. Punchestown has played host to so many iconic occasions through the years.
The New Year’s Eve meeting promises a festive and family-friendly atmosphere, with complimentary mince pies and mulled wine on arrival while stocks last, live music by the Ballymore Band and free children’s entertainment.
Gates open from 11am with the first race going to post at approximately 12.30pm. The Hay Café, The Feedroom and a selection of mobile eateries will provide tasty snacks, barista coffee or delicious full hot food menu with something for everyone whilst the bars will be serving up festive cheer!
For those looking to enhance their day and arrange something a bit special this New Year’s Eve, the very popular Trackside Race & Dine package is available to book online for €95pp with children’s menu available.
Conor O’Neill, Punchestown CEO, looked ahead to the special day: “This New Year’s Eve meeting is about celebrating our past, enjoying the present, and welcoming the future together. Thanks to Tote for their generous sponsorship which allows us to invite everyone to race for FREE. O’Neill continued: We are merely custodians of this special place and everything we do here is to safeguard Punchestown for future generations.”
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What: Punchestown 175th Anniversary New Year’s Eve Race Meeting
Where: Punchestown Racecourse, W91 VCX4
When: Tuesday, 31 December
Gates Open: 11.00am
First Race: Approx. 12.30pm
Admission: FREE for all